10 Best Things To Do In Salzburg, Austria

1. Mirabell Gardens

The Mirabell Gardens were designed in a baroque style in 1690, offering one of the most picturesque views in Salzburg. Looking over the stunning gardens, the fortress sits majestically on the hill top. Be sure to snap some photos here! Wander through the garden, leisurely admiring the flowers and the fountains. The Grand Fountain is surrounded by four groups of figures, representing fire, earth, air and water. The Pegasus Fountain, constructed in 1913, is one you have probably seen before in the film “The Sound of Music”. The Dwarf garden is another popular stop off while in Mirabell Gardens. It is the oldest of its kind in Europe, originally holding 28 dwarves made from Untersberger marble. Don’t miss the rose garden that is directly south of Mirabell Palace as well!

Mirabell Gardens

Address: Mirabellplatz, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Mirabell Gardens

2. Hohensalzburg Castle

Hohensalzburg Castle provides some of the best views over the city of Salzburg. There are two options to get to the top, a steep walk up or a funicular ride. The standard castle tour will include the castle life, an audio guide of the inner rooms of the castle, and a glimpse into the gothic regency chambers. Along with this there is full access to the fortress museum, which offers lots of information on the building and what life was like there. Also, be sure to take a peek at the Marionette Museum, where you will see incredibly detailed, beautiful puppets used in the Marionette theater. If there is extra time before or after visiting the fortress, take advantage of some of the great walking paths up on the hill. It’s a great place to watch the sun set from!

Hohensalzburg Castle

Address: Mönchsberg 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Hohensalzburg Castle

3. Nonnberg Abbey

Nonnberg Abbey is the oldest female convent north of the Alps. It was founded in 714 AD and has been in existence ever since. The building you see today was erected in the early 16th-century. You may be familiar with the Abbey for its role in “The Sound of Music.” A number of scenes were shot here, from the performance of the song “Maria” to the escape scene with cars parked outside the Abbey gate. Even if you are not a Sound of Music fan, the Abbey is a worthwhile visit. It lies above the city with beautiful views over the surrounding valley. The Abbey also houses murals and smaller works of art in addition to its Gothic architectural elements.

Nonnberg Abbey

Address: Nonnberggasse 2, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Nonnberg Abbey

4. Augustiner Beer Hall

Augustiner Beer Hall, or Bräustübl, is Austria’s largest beer restaurant. It is a place of tradition and conviviality, where you can sit and chat with strangers and friends alike. This massive space offers mostly just beer and a few others snacks, so you are welcome to bring in your own food. Just make sure to drink their delicious Augustiner beer.

Augustiner Bräu

Address: Lindhofstraße 7, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Augustiner Bräu

5. St. Peters Church and Cemetery

1/2 2236 - Salzburg - Erzabtei St Peter

2/2 Salzburg Dom vom Petersfriedhof

St. Peters was founded in the 7th-century and remains one of the most beautiful churches in Salzburg. The interior is striking and full of beautiful art. The cemetery of St. Peters is one of the world’s oldest. Famous artists and scholars have found their resting place here, one of which is Mozart’s sister, Nannerl.

St. Peter's Abbey

Address: Sankt-Peter-Bezirk 1, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: St. Peter’s Abbey

6. Hellbrunn Palace

This early Baroque villa of palatial size is a delight to visit with the whole family, especially in the summer time. It was built in the 1600s by the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg, named for the clear spring it supplied. The highlight of a trip to Hellbrunn Palace is the water games, originally constructed to be a series of practical jokes on guests. As you venture through the gardens, be warned, you will get wet!

Schloss Hellbrunn

Address: Fürstenweg 37, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Schloss Hellbrunn

7. Salzburg Cathedral

Salzburg Cathedral is regal and astounding. Sit back in one of the pews and just soak it all in. Its present appearance is from the 17th-century, when it was rebuilt by Prince Bishop Wolf Dietrich in the Baroque style. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Joseph Mohr, who wrote the words to “silent night” were both baptized here.

Salzburg Cathedral

Address: Domplatz 1a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Salzburg Cathedral

8. Hangar-7

Hangar-7 is not a traditional hangar but rather a collection of historical airplanes, helicopters, and Formula One racing cars. It is owned by Red Bull founder Dietrich Mateschitz. It is an architectural work of art with its avant-garde architecture, modern art and fancy dining. The Michelin starred restaurant Ikarus is housed here.

Hangar-7

Address: Wilhelm-Spazier-Straße 7a, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: Hangar-7

9. Untersberg

Untersberg is an ideal place to experience nature and outdoor activities. The modern lift will carry you to the top of the mountains, where you can witness a majestic view, stretching far out to the horizon. There is a pub and an outdoor terrace for you to relax and soak up the views, and there are countless other opportunities in the region for hiking and climbing.

Untersberg

Address: St. Leonhard, Salzburg 5020, Austria

Website: Untersberg

10. House of Nature

House of Nature is a modern museum that holds everything from dinosaurs to the human body to space travel. It is a great experience for the entire family. Not all exhibits have English explanations, but many do, and even if not this interactive museum is enjoyable and interesting. There is a tasty cafe with a nice outdoor terrace and a cloak room with plenty of storage space.

House of Nature

Address: Museumspl. 5, 5020 Salzburg, Austria

Website: House of Nature

Just enjoy your time in the beautiful Salzburg

Salzburg has amazing views, incredible architecture, and so much history to complete the entire fairytale experience. Just soak it all in and enjoy your visit.